Raymond Perry McDonald, age 97, passed away on November 11, 2024. He was living at Magnolia Court with his daughter, Claire, at the time of his death. She lovingly cared for him and was with him constantly for the last 2 & 1/2 months of his life.
Raymond was born on December 10, 1926, to Mary Agnes Killian and Perry Lyons McDonald. He grew up in Carmel Valley, CA on a farm, of sorts. He helped his father with his dairy deliveries, and his love of old vehicles and machinery was fostered by living in the country.
Raymond attended St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco, CA, and graduated from the University of San Francisco, CA with a degree in psychology.
He served in the military for a short time and was honorably discharged from the army at the end of WWII.
Raymond continued his studies in a post-graduate program at the University of Portland, OR.
In 1951, he married Alice Jean Kuntz (deceased, 1997), and together they had 7 children.
While he and Alice lived in San Francisco, CA, he began his career as a psychologist at San Quentin. When they moved to Vacaville, he worked as a staff psychologist at the California Medical Facility. It was here that he spent most of his working career.
When Raymond wasn't working, he was helping raise and care for his large family.
In later years, he loved collecting and working on old cars and motor homes, some of which he gifted to others.
"Ray" was a humble, soft-spoken person, who enjoyed helping others. He donated to many charitable
organizations, including St. Mary's Church, the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Sisters of the Holy Names, and, after he lost his wife, Alice, to cancer, the American Cancer Society. He also anonymously distributed envelopes with cash inside at Christmas time to places where day workers gathered in Vacaville.
An activity which brought him great satisfaction was helping at the St. Mary's Catholic Church food pantry. Well into his 90s, he volunteered his time as a driver, picking up donated food from grocery stores and delivering it to St. Mary's for distribution to those in need.
In addition to wife, Alice, he was also preceded in death by two children, Mary and David.
He is survived by his second wife, Raquel Hernandez; children Hugh, Barbara (Rob Stewart), Claire Crain, Douglas, and Greg; 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
A prayer service will be held at a later time.
